Author: Stephanie Hlywak

Kevan Chandler, who lives with SMA and traveled through Europe in 2016 in a backpack, is heading to China. Along the way, he hopes to inspire others and “demonstrate that life is full of possibility and hope.”

MDA’s iconic paper Shamrocks are synonymous with St. Patrick’s Day for millions of Americans who purchase the symbols of good luck at retailers nationwide to help MDA families live longer and grow stronger. But how did this annual tradition get started? Hint: a bright idea and the luck of the Irish.

After the news of MDA champion Jerry Lewis’s passing broke Sunday, scores of admirers took to social media to remember the comedian and philanthropist. Here are just a few of the thousands of tweets sent by some of the entertainment business’ brightest stars — and some of MDA’s staunchest partners. Want to add your remembrance to the chorus? Visit our Tributes page, where we are collecting memories for Jerry’s family.

Jerry Lewis, Longtime MDA National Chairman, Telethon Star and Humanitarian, Dies In response to the passing of legendary comedian Jerry Lewis, former national chairman and telethon star of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the extended MDA family today mourns his loss. Jerry was 91 and lived in Las Vegas, with his wife Sam of 34 years. . . .

Ray Spooner, a certified nurse midwife who has ushered thousands of babies into the world, took the Ice Bucket Challenge in summer of 2014 to raise awareness about ALS. At the time, ALS “was just of jumble of letters to us,” said Ray’s wife of 33 years, Rae. Soon though, those letters would take on a . . .

The inaugural “Ride for Ray” honors Ray Spooner, whose “Little Ride” across the country for MDA raised more than $80,000 for ALS research and support services. A year after his death in August 2016, cyclists from across the country will join family, friends and local supporters to continue the work Ray started.